The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1887-07-02

and not let anybody know it, II we
gave you the greatest lot of candy you
ever saw, and bunch of torpedoes for
tomorrow"
Rosy was a very small person, with
a very large appetite for candy, to say
nothing of a strong desire to celebrate
with the proper amount of noise the
anniversary of her countrys independ-
ence. Her eyes grew big and round at
the alluring prospect, and she nodded
emphatically her willingness to under
take the errand.
So it was settled that she should
bring them the key that night, after
her father had hung up his coat in the
closet, so there would be no danger
that he would go there again and dis
cover the absence of the key.
That afternoon Sandy Movie and his
son, a stout lad of eighteen, paid a
visit to the church. Archie, the son,
came out looking very warm and tired.
"Better have let them do it, and then
make them smart for it, than to take
all that trouble" he grumbled. "Or
just give their fathers hint of what
they are up to-"
"Since they are so fond of jokes, I'm
willing they should have a bit OF a
one," said the sexton, rubbing his
hands gleefully. They'll catch it fast
enough for breaking the church-win-
dow"
Rosy Movie stole out of the house
that night after dark and delivered the
church-key into True's hands, receiv-
ing in return an amount Of candy and
torpedoes that had cost large share
of the boys Fourth of July savings
But they were all satisfied that it was
money well spent, for they had learned,
from sad experience, that the results Of
breaking windows were never amusing.
1t was about half-past four o'clock on
the morning of the Fourth when the
three boys unlocked the church-door.
1t was very quiet for Fourth of July
morning. Now and then came the
banging of a gun, the feeble popping
fire-crackers and torpedoes, and the
dismal shrek of the fish-horn; but
there were very few people astir.
"This stupid old town will get wax
ing up in minute now. And people
ought to thank us. lisa burning shame
to have it SO still. You may be sure
they're making things lively over at
Brownsville by this time.
Brownsville was town on the other
side of the river where the boys meant
to assist in the celebration after they
had walked up 'Cherryield.
"They won't thank us, you know"
said Tenny Cole. "Boys never are APP
preciated. I"
II don't expect it will be just exactly
thanks that we shall get" said True,
ydryly, as he turned the key in the lock
behind them. anybody that's afraid
had better back out now"
Nobody backed out Six hands seiz-
ed the bell rope. There was ga long
pull, strong pull and pull all to-
gether."
But no sound followed. They looked
at each other in silent amazement, and
tried it again. They could feel that
the bell swayed backward and forward;
but it did not ring. What could be the
reason?
Somebody must have muffled it!'
excla med Bob
"We'n go up and see what's the mat
ter, anyway" said True.
A long, long flight of steep and mar
row stairs led to the first landing in
the church steeple. Beyond that was
a ladder leading to the bell-loft.
There was a trap-door which they
pushed open, and all scrambled up to
the loft.
"If here isn't a go! The tongue is
gone from the bell!' cried True. "Now
who do you suppose did that?"
Rosy must have told of us. I just
wish we hadn't given her all that
candyE" exclaimed Tenney.
The great bell hung there empty,
powerless to arouse any Fourth of July
enthusiasm, and looking as sad as if il
realized its dumbness.
Il should just like to catch the fell
low that did that" said Rob, flourish.
ing his fist at an imaginary foe, and, as
he did so, unfortunately striking the
trap-door with his elbow, and causing
it to fall with a crash.
twas somewhat dark in the loft, now
that the trap-door was closed, the only
light coming from a little round win.
dow, like portfolio in vessel, far
above their heads.
Lift up the door, Rob. We may a.
we'll 20 down. Whoever took that tongue
out wouldn't leave it where we could
find it, you may be sure" said True.